Wheel cover



G. A. LYON WHEEL COVER Jan. 6, 1948.

Filed Aug. 20, 1943 .z Er-L a? $50,866 flLsEer lro/v;

Patented Jan. 6, 1948 NETED STATES AT'EN'T' QFF'ICE ICI'ain'is. 1 This invention relates to an improved wheel structureand is i directed v moreparticularly to an improved cover. assembly therefor.

It isanimportant object of the invention to provide for a wheel structure an improved retaining arrangement for retaining a" cover assembly over the; outer'side thereof.

. It-is another-object of. theinventionto provide for a-wheeL structure an. improved ornamental circular cover assembly for disposition over the outer. side. thereof,. the cover assembly being adapted to be constructed. from sheet synthetic plastic material andhaving characteristics enabling it to. be form. retaining andselfesupportingand yet locally, temporarily resiliently flexible under the influence; of distorting pressures imposed thereon, the cover immediately snapping back to itsioriginaland, intended shape,- uponre.- lease of the distorting pressures.

Still another objectoftheyinventioniis to provide for a wheel structure a cover of theabove character having. a cross sectional, radial expanse'of such-.magnitude that itextendsradia1-- 1y outwardly to orbeyondtheiedgeportion of a tirerim over which it is-disposed and radiallyinwardly over the central portion of the Wheel',. the cross-sectional configuration thereof; being. such as to substantially simulate the side wallof" a tire. in thetire rimover which it. is: disposed, thereby togivethe appearance. of 'beinga continuation of the tire and-to give the appearance-of being a. white sidewall of a massive-tire mounted on a wheel structure ofjminimurn dimensions; when coloreclwhiten I It is. still 'a further object of the: invention to provide for a. cover assembly, improved retainingmeansfor retainingly engaging the-same-over the outer side ofv a wheel str ucture by retaining enga ement at the outer peripheral-part thereof.

Still'a further. object of the invention is to pro-- vide for a cover assembly disposed over the outer side of a wheel structure, improved retaining means for engaging the outer peripheral part thereof andreta'ining thesame detachably upon the wheel structure with an easyon, hard-off att'achment, the retaining means also serving as a -radialoutward continuationof theccfv 'ermem ber- 130 00110621 the retaining: attachment thereof with the 1 wheel. structure;

In accordancesw'ith r the general features of the invention, there is provided: herein; in one embediment thereof; .-a;wheel structurerhaving a tire rim of the. drop centertype provided withv opposite: radially inwardly, generally axially. out.- Wardly' extending. edge. portions and; having. a

21 body port-ionsecuredrthereto, there being. acover member disposediover. theouter side thereof, said. covermember being.- formed from synthetic plastic sheet material and: having; characteristics enabling it to'be seltrsuppor-tinge and formretaining and yet resilientlyflexible under the influence. of. distorting; forces; whereupon; the cover returns to its initial condition after. the distorting. forcesare removed therefrom the cover member having a'central partfextending. radially. outwardly with a; goose-neck. configuration. be yondzt-he'edge portion. otithe-tir e rim. and. radial".-

inwardly topnoviideracentra l ornamental portion-, the" radial-- outer partbeingcorffigufated. to. simulate substantiallythe: side wallof'atire ihithe tire rim and the. central portion. beingv joined thereto. by, an annular partihaving axially out? ward-1y. concave-goose-neck. configuration ofv reratively great magnitude and terminating in a substantially axially outwardly. extending, poiti'onwhich-.proyidesior the radial'w'all of. an axially; outwardly, extending, hub cap simulating portion that extends axially outwardly beyondth'e. axial! extremities; of the. wheel. and" tire therein,- said cover being, secured to the edge portion ofthe tire rim by means of. a channelled annulus havingaxially outwardly bent. finger. el'ernents'ifor engagingewith easy-on, hard ofi. engagement). the radially ihner portion of the edge portion of the tire rim and having aradially outwardly; chan nelled portionefor receiving the edge ofthecove'r; In accordance with the. general" features of/a further embodiment of my invention, the retaining element is provided with. a radially inwardly extending;- portion providing. a curvate' surface around which the radiallyout'er margin of -the-cover member may. be nestedfor retaining engagement. therewith, this. retaining annulus having a portion extending radially outwardly, beyondltheedgeportion of} the tire rim to conceal the junction thereof with. said rim. and terminating" in: an. ornamental}. reinforcing beadi It. is. stilll afurther'obiect. of the invention to provide for. at whee1 stru'cture, anlornanient'al' disk member. comprising. a.- radially' dut'er pdrt'ien' a1".- rangedv to conceal; the radially outer. part of a wheel. structure over; which. it is disposed and having, a. central? hub capsimulating}, integral portion extending axially. outwardly beyond. the axial outer: extremities otthe' wheel structure and atire. therein to augment: the appearance of being a. part of the; ma bearing: portion of: the wheellstructure A g V Many other objects. arid. advanta es; of this invention; will? became. apparent: fidm" the" fol lowing description and accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a wheel structure embodying my invention;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary radial cross-sectional view of a wheel structure such as that shown in Figure 1; and

Figure 3 is fragmentary radial cross-sectional view of a wheel structure embodying a modified form of my invention.

It will be understood that the embodiments shown herein are for illustrative purposes only and may be changed or modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

As shown in Figure 2, the wheel structure with which my invention is associated includes a tire rim IEI of the drop center type having a base flange I I which is secured to a central load hearing portion I2 by means of an axially inwardly extending peripheral flange I2a which may be welded or riveted to the base flange I I.

The central load bearing portion I2 is further provided with a radially inner bolt-on flange I3 which may be utilized for securing the wheel structure to a suitable appurtenance of the vehicle with which it is associated such as the brake drum or the like.

The tire rim I is further provided with opposite side wall flanges I4, opposite intermediate flanges I5 and opposite edge portions I6, these parts being arranged to receive the radially inner portions of a tire I! having an inner tube I8 and a valve stem I9 which extends through an aligned aperture in the respective side wall I4.

The cover disposed herein comprises a disklike member 20 having a radially outer portion 2| and a central hub cap simulating portion 22 and, as indicated previously, is preferably formed integrally from sheet synthetic plastic material and having physical characteristics enabling it to be self -supporting and form retaining and yet resiliently, locally temporarily flexible under the influence of distorting forces so that it snaps back to its original configuration upon release of these distorting forces.

The radially outer part 2| of the cover 26 is arranged to extend radially outwardly beyond the edge portion I6 of the tire rim I0 and radially inwardly to the vicinity of the bolt-on flange I3 with a curvature generally simulating the curvature of the adjacent side wall of the tire II, thereby to give the appearance of being a part thereof and to give the appearance of being a white side Wall of the tire when colored white.

The portion H of the cover 29 is joined with the hub cap simulating portion 22 thereof by means of an annular section 23, a portion of which abuts the adjacent portion of the outer surface of the central load bearing part of the wheel structure to be supported thereby, this annular section 23 having a cross-sectional configuration whereby it is axially outwardly convex through a relatively large sweeping gooseneck curvature and terminates in a generally axially outward extending circular wall 24 which constitutes the radial wall of the hub cap simulating portion of the cover.

It will be seen from Figure 2 that the circular wall 24 is of such axial depth that it extends axially outwardly of the axial outward extremities of the tire rim I0 and the tire I! therein, thereby to augment its appearanc as being the hub or central load bearing portionof the wheel and at the same time being of relatively small cross-sectional size to thereby augment the appearance of a larg white side wall tire on a small wheel structure. Preferably the central portion 22 of the cover assembly is provided with an axially outer closure wall 25 which is depressed centrally as at 26 and may have a medallion or other identifying indicia 21 mounted therein, this medallion, if desired, being constructed from metal or other rigidifying material to strengthen the cover structure.

To the end that the cover 20 may be detachably secured to the wheel structure there is provided herein a retaining annulus 28 having an outer turned edge 29 which extends over and around the outer edge 26a of the cover 20 so as to securely lock the cover to the annulus 28. In the application of the cover to this annulus the outer dge of the cover is initially flexed under the turned edge 29 of the annulus and then the turned edge 29 is more tightly curled against the edge of the cover so as to interlock the two parts together. I have found that it is easy to flex the outer edge of the cover into the channel afforded by the turned outer edge of the annulus 28 and that thereafter the two may be easily interlocked by tightly rolling th outer edge 29 of the annulus 28 against and relative to the edge 26a. Thus the turned edge 29 not only attaches the ring 2| to the cover but, in addition thereto; rigidifies the outer edge of the cover or wheel trim. Furthermore, by reason of the fact that the turned edge 29 extends around to the front or outer side of the cover, it adds to the ornamental appearance of the cover, particularly when the turned edge 29 is given a lustrous finish suchas that which is obtainable by chromium ptlatling and also by the use of polished stainless s ee The annulus 28, in addition to the turned edge 29, includes a radially inwardly extending flange 39 bent rearwardly into an axially extending flange 3| which has formed thereon, axially outwardly extending spaced cover retaining fingers 32. These fingers may be of any suitable number and each includes a radially extending, free extremity 33 which projects toward the rear side of the Wheel cover or trim member.

In applying the cover to the wheel, the cover is first pressed against the wheel whereby the extremities 33 of the fingers are about to enter the outermost flange I6 of the wheel rim I 6, that is to say the extremities 33 bear against the outermost edge of the edge portion of the wheel rim l0 and must be cammed or deflected in order for them to enter the channel of the flange behind this edge of the rim. Upon further axial inward pressure of the cover assembly against the wheel structure the extremities 33 snap behind the portion I6 of the tire I0 and are bent to extend radially inwardly to a greater extent than when they are at rest before being applied to the wheel structure and in this flexed position they securely bear against the radially inner surface of the edge portion I6 to securely retain the cover assembly on the wheel structure. By this construction it has been found that the cover may be quickly and easily pressed home into its ultimate position as shown in Figure 2, over the wheel structure and that while securely held thereon against accidental displacement during use of the vehicle, the cover may be easily removed from the wheel structure merely by insertion of the operators fingers behind the flange gangsta:

30 a and withdrawingthe cover assembly fromithei wheelstructurei 7 Another attribute oftheforegoing construction is that the annulus 28 not only 'rigidifi'es the radiall-y outer part" of the flexible cover during use but furthermore provides this rigidity when a-x-ial outward pressures of a considerable degree areimpressed upon th radially outer part of the cover to remove-the same from the wheelstructure as describedbove;

In the construction of Fig-ure 3'; the retaining annulus 3'4 is provided with an axially outwardly turned edged? and a-radiallyinwa-rdly extending flange 36 terminating in-"acurvate; generally axially inwardly extending intermediate portion- 3 which in turn terminates in resilient fingers 38 having terminal members 39 for engaging the edge portion of the tire rim HF in the manner describedin connection with the construction of Figure 2-. In this construction, the 'cove-r member 46- is provided atthe radially outer margin thereof with a curvate, substantially axially inwardly extending flange E-l which isarranged to" be disposed in nested relationship with the portion 31 of the retainingv member 34.,Kthus to. provide a retained engagement between the annular retaining member 374 -a'nd'the cover member 46'. Pref erably the flange M terminatesrin an edge portion 42 which is adapted tobe disposed between the adjacent portion of the annulus 34 and the adjacent portion at the outer'surface of the tire rim NJ to provide a cushion insert between the metallic annulus 34- and the metallic tire rim, thereby to prevent development-of excessive vibration and the'developmen-t-of rattle duringuse of the parts. 7

In the assembly ofthe construction of Figure 3; the cover 40 may beassociat'edwith the annulus 34 prior to-the mount'ingthereof upon the tire rim or, if desired the annulust l may be appliedto' the rimin-the manner: described inconjunction with the member-28 of Figure 2, thereafter the flange-4| of thecover member 4fi-being resiliently flexed radially'inwa'rdly to obtain the nested relationship between said flange and the annulus 34 as shown in Figure 3.

To remove the cover structure from the wheel of Figure 3, the operator may either apply the axial outer forces to the retaining member as described in conjunction with Figure 2, or a pry-off tool may be inserted behind the radially outwardly extending bead Ma, which serves as a junction between the body portion of the cover 40 and the flange 4|, whereupon the flange M is flexed radially inwardly and may be withdrawn from the retaining member 34 whereby the latter remains upon the wheel structure and the cover is removed therefrom. It will be understood of course that preferably the cover member 46 is constructed from a synthetic plastic sheet material as in the construction of Figure 2 and thus possess physical characteristics enabling it to be form retaining and self-supporting and yet resiliently flexible.

From the foregoing it will be seen that I have provided a novel wheel cover assembly for a wheel structure in which the cover member propor is conflgurated in a novel manner to greatly augment the appearance of a massive tire disposed on a wheel structure of minimum dimensions, this appearance'being augmented by the provision of a central portion 22 which extends substantially axially outwardly from the remaining portion of the cover assembly and is provided with radial cross-sectional dimensions such as to 62 augmentxthesappearance "of increased size ofthe radially outer portion oi thecoven.

Furthermore; I have provided for a/covermernber formed from. relatively flexible materiaL: an improved retainingi arrangement in which the. radially outer part thereof is: efficiently rigid'ifie'd and strengthened at the part-which is secured to the wheel structure and thus at'the part at which' pry-01f forces are applied for removal of the cover from the wheel; Also I have provided, in one form" of my invention; aniimproved' cover; assembly in which the retaining members not only serveto rigidifyand' ornament the radially outer portion ofthe cover but'also is so associ-- ated with the cover-that the latter may be re-- movedfrom the wheel structure without disturbi'ng' the retaining member or requiring the. greater forces necessaryto remove the'same from the-wheel.

Similar" reference numerals have been usedupon' the wheel structure and tire assembly of Figure 3. as were used on the construction; of Figure 2, since these constructions are conventional and sincethe wheel construction embodies substantially the sarne'parts in all modifications;

It will be'seenthat with the foregoing construction in which the cover member extends'en tirely across the. wheel structure and is prefer-- abl'y constructed froma synthetic sheet material; that the unsprung weight" of the vehicle with which it is associated is considerably reduced since the cover assembly shownherein is on the order of two-thirds less weight than a cover assembly constructed from metal or other heavy material;

What I claim is:

1-. In a cover structure for" a wheel including a multi-flange tire carrying rim part, a load bearing part, a circular cover'for substantially covering outer exposed portions of the rim and body parts and having a turned outer margin and a cover retaining ring attached to an outer" flange of the rim part including an axiallyinner portion nested in saidflange and anaxially outer portion in nested relations-hipwith said turned outer margin of the cover, said cover being made of form-sustaining but resiliently deflectable plastic material reinforced at its outer margin by said retaining ring, the outer axially turned margin of said cover being elastically deflectable into nested relationship with said outer turned portion of the retaining ring.

2. In a cover structure for a wheel including a load bearing part and a multi-flange tire carrying part having a generally axially extending and slightly radially inwardly curled edge flange and a generally radially inwardly extending flange contiguous to the axially inner portion of said edge flange, a circular cover for substantially covering the load bearing and tire rim parts, and a coverretaining ring member including a portion overlying the outer rim flange and extending generally axially rearwardly and then radially outwardly into engaging relation Within the radially inwardly facing curve of the tire rim edge flange, said cover having its outer margin turned axially rearwardly and then radially outwardly in engagement with the retaining ring member and with the radially outwardly extending extremity of the cover margin interposed between the retaining ring member and radially inwardly extending tire rim flange, the material of said interposed marginal portion of the cover being of such characteristics as to provide a cushion insert to prevent development of vibration and rattle between the retaining ring member and the tire rim flange during use of the parts.

3. In combination in a cover structure for a wheel including a load bearing part and a multiflange tire carrying rim part having a generally axially outwardly extending edge flange slightly curved radially inwardly at its extremity to provide a generally radially inwardly opening groove, a circular cover for substantially covering the body and rim parts of the wheel and having a generally axially inwardly extending outer edge portion, and a cover retaining ring member interengaged with said outer edge portion of the cover and having a series of under-curled spring fingers .at its inner side entering into snap on and off frictional engagement within said tire rim flange groove, said retaining ring member overlying the edge of said tire rim outer flange.

4. In a cover structure for a wheel including a load bearing part and a multi-flange tire carrying rim part including an outer flange formed to provide a radially inwardly opening groove, a circular cover having an inwardly extending outer margin, and a retaining annulus interengaged with said outer margin of said cover member and comprising a generally radially extending portion arranged to overlie the tire rim edge and having its radially outer edge extending beyond the tire rim edge and reinforced to render it relatively stiff, the radially inner marginal portion of said annulus extending generally axially rearwardly and then generally radially outwardly and having spring fingers integral therewith having their free extremities projecting toward the rear side of the radially extending flange portion of the annulus and providing resilient camming shoulders adapted to snap retainingly into said tire rim flange groove, said fingers being adapted to be cammingly flexed out of said groove by manually applied axially outward force upon the reinforced radially outer edge portion of the annulus for withdrawing the cover assembly from the wheel.

5. In combination in a cover structure for a wheel including a tire rim part and a load bearing part, a circular cover member formed integrally from sheet synthetic plastic material and having physical characteristics which render it self-supporting and form-retaining but resiliently, locally temporarilyv flexible under the influence of distorting'f-orces so that it snaps back to its original configuration upon release of such distorting forces, said cover member including a radially outer portion extending from adjacent to the outer edge of the tire rim part and radially inwardly in a tire side wall simulating curvature.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Re. 22,042 Lyon Mar. 3, 1942 2,193,106 Lyon Mar. 12, 1940 2,202,102 Horn May 28, 1940 Re. 19,467 Lyon Feb. 12, 1935 2,127,600 Hunt Aug. 23, 1938 1,234,387 Pugh July 24, 1917 1,536,743 Anderson May 5, 1925 1,494,179 Mathew May 13, 1924 2,113,541 Blank May 5, 1938 2,123,025 Ramirez July 5, 1938 2,183,220 Horn Dec. 12, 1939 Re. 22,042 Lyon 1 Mar. 3, 1942 2,239,366 Lyon Apr. 22, 1941 2,279,334 Lyon Apr. 14, 1942 

